GB471916A - Improvements in and relating to magnetic locks and keys - Google Patents

Abstract

471,916. Revolving barrel locks. RACTLIFFE, E. M. March 12, 1936, No. 7540. [Class 44] A lock consists of a barrel locked to the casing by means of feathers made out of magnets, the key of the lock being also provided with magnets so that the interaction of the two magnetic fields causes the feather magnets to move and free the barrel. The casing 1, Fig. 3, is provided with a barrel 3 cut with grooves 5, 6, 7, Fig. 4, which correspond with similar grooves 8, 9, 10 in the casing. In the housing formed by these grooves are feather magnets 11, 12, 13. On placing the key 14 in the lock the magnets 16, 17, 18 interact with the magnets 11, 12, 13 and move them clear of the barrel 3, Fig. 4, which is then free to rotate, and operate the latch. The rotation of the barrel 3 keeps the magnets in the unlocked position. Another form of lock, Fig. 6, is made up of bar magnets 24 in the key 14 interacting with other magnets 22 which are repelled clear of notches 23 in the barrel 3. In both types of lock described the locking magnets return to the locking position on removal of the key by means of gravity, but springs may be used if required. A pin 19 engaging a recess 20 ensures the key being placed in the lock in the correct position. The invention may be applied to existing tumbler locks having the usual wards or pintumblers.